Moroccans are in high spirits as they prepare to face defending Champions, France in the semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA world cup in Qatar.
According to the report by AFP, Moroccans in Tangier, and every in Morocco, life and discussions revolve around football and the World Cup. After defeating the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal, the majority of Moroccans believe they can overcome France.
In the streets of the Medina of Tangier, it is easy to trigger a smile on the face of a resident. Just talk to him about football and his face lights up. “And you, what do you think?” Proudly ask the people of Tangier when talking about their selection. They, of course, think well. Having defeated Belgium, then eliminated Spain and Portugal at the World Cup, Morocco has already written the finest page in its footballing history, AFP reports.
Now it’s the Blues who arrive in the semi-finals (Wednesday, 8 p.m.): “We believe we can win this match, thinks Hassan, a shopkeeper with his white mustache. France is strong, it is world champion! But we “We have a young team, which hopes to make a great match and we will do it. France has great players but we have them too! We have some of the best: Ziyech, Hakimi, Bono. We have big names. They are very motivated with this great people who are pushing Morocco.” He is aiming for a final against Croatia to obtain the supreme title. Right next to Hassan, two young children pass by, singing one of the fan anthems.
The Hakimi-Mbappé duel fascinates
Here, of course, football is very present. Jersey shops are selling records, flags are hung in the streets, and advertisements and billboards with players are everywhere. The question is whether the dream will last.
“We are not afraid. We have a good team, good players, a good coach, good spectators, the stadium will be Moroccan. We have Hakimi against Mbappé, rejoices Mustapha, 61. There is also Dembélé but it’s ok, he has a Moroccan wife! (Laughs)”
The Hakimi-Mbappé duel always comes up in discussions. Hicham runs a swimsuit shop in the old center: “Mbappé? It’s nothing. You put Hakimi in front of him and he won’t pass. It’s sure and certain. Morocco 2, France 1, he predicts “France have two stars but we don’t. We passed Portugal, I think it will be easier. France will think it will be easy against us, but we will hit hard.”
The players will get support from nearly 50,000 Moroccans at the stadium, around thirty planes have been specially chartered by Royal Air Maroc between Casablanca and Doha. Enough to give even more strength to the selection, and it will need it between injuries and accumulated playing time.
“Eating the Roosters”
“It would have been easier to face England. But it will be a great game, very exciting,” thinks Hammad. He appreciates the Blues, he lives in the Netherlands and is back for a few days, especially for the semi-final.
“It’s cool because Morocco always plays well but usually gets knocked out in the group stage. The tactic chosen this time around isn’t the best, but it’s smart, with the players we have.
The coach and the players are all Moroccans but many of them play abroad and are proud to play in this team.” The biggest danger according to him? “Mbappé-Giroud. It’s like a tandem.
But we are the Lions, we ate everyone and we are going to eat the roosters.” A hope taken up by everyone in Tangier and Morocco, as well as by the newspapers, one of which headlined a simple but effective slogan on Monday: “Yes, we can”.